Arthur r



(No Model.)

A. R. BUSH.

ELECTRIC SWITCH.

No. 440,303. Patented Nov. 11, 1890.

wmsw Inn/@7364" UNITED STATES PATENT QFFICE.

ARTHUR R. BUSH, OF BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR TO PAINE & FRANCIS, OF SAME PLACE.

ELECTRIC SWITCH.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 440,303, dated November 11, 1890.

Application filed June 9,

To all whom it 772-(61/ (f/HLUQTIL:

Be it known that I, ARTHUR R. BUSH, of Boston, county of Suffolk, State of Massachusetts, have invented an Improvement in Electric Switches, of which the following description, in connection with the accompanying drawings, is a specification, like letters and figures on the drawings representing like parts.

This invention relates to electric switches of that class known as quick-acting switches, by which the electric circuit may be broken substantially in an instant, and has for its object to provide a simple, efficient, and cheap switch.

The particular features in which my inven tion consists will be pointed out in the claims at the end of this specification.

Figure 1 is a top or plan view of the singlepole switch embodying my invention, said switch being shown in its open position; Fig. 2, top or plan view of the switch,showing the same in its closed position; Fig. 3, a transverse section of the switch shown in Fig. 2 on line 00 m; Fig. 4, a sectional detail on the line w at, Fig. 2; and Fig. 5, a sectional detail on the line 682 :0 Fig. 2.

A represents a base of insulating material, preferably of slate, to which the operative parts of my improved switch are secured.

The base A has secured to it on substantially diametrically opposite sides metal blocks a a, having secured to or forming part of them, as herein shown, metal strips or brushes a a, forming the poles or terminals of the switch. The brushes a a of each pole-piece have co-operating with them the ends of an arm I), loosely mounted on a spindle 19, secured to or forming part of a boss having secured to it a handle I).

The spindle l) is herein shown as extended through a metal sleeve b inserted in a socket or opening in the base A, the said sleeve being provided with an enlarged head 12 at its upper end,which rests upon the said base, the said sleeve being screw-threaded at its lower end, as herein shown, (see Fig. 3,) to engage a threaded ring 12 fitted within an enlarged portion of the socket or opening in the base.

The spindle b is herein shown as threaded at its lower end to engage a threaded ring 12 1890. Serial No. 35,683. (No model.)

between which and the ring I) is preferably placed a washer 19 The con tact-armb is herein shown as on rved in opposite directions on opposite sides of its center and is provided with pins or studs 0 c, to which are secured in any suitable manner one end of, preferably, two springs 0 0 the said springs being bent or curved around the boss Z2 and secured to suitable studs or projections o 0, located on substantially diametrically-opposite sides of the said boss. The springs c c are bent or curved in opposite directions, so that when the contact-arm Z) is in its closed position the said springs will be wound up or placed under tension.

The contact-arm b is enlarged at its end, as at 2 3, to obtain an increased surface by which contact may be made with the brushes a a to insure good electrical connection.

The contact-arm Z) on one side of its center is provided, as herein shown, with a pin (Z, adapted to be engaged by lugs or ears d d on the boss Z1 As shown in Fig. 1,the contact-arm b is out of engagement with the brushes (4 a and the switch isopenechthe said switch beinglocked in its open position, as herein shown, by means of a spring-actuating stud d adapted to enter a groove or socket on the underside of the contact-arm, as clearly indicated in Fig. 1.

If it is desired to close the switch, the operator moves the handle in the direction of arrow 20, Fig. 1, from the position shown in said figure to the position shown in Fig. 2, and as the handle is thus moved the lug or ear d acts upon the pin (1 and brings the contactarm 1) into engagement with the brushes (0 a of the poles at a.

If it is desired to open the switch, the handle b is moved from the position shown in Fig. 2 in the direction of arrow21, Fig. 2, and the lug or ear (1 removed from engagement with the pin (Z on the contact-arm, and the handle permitted to have considerable movement before the lug d is broughtinto engagement with the said pin. During the time the handle is moved so as to disengage the lug d from the pin d and engage the lug d with the said pin the springs o c are wound up or put under tension, so that when on the further movement of the handle 12 in the direction of arrow 21 the lug (1 through the pin (1, disengages the contact-arm from the brushes of the poles at a the said spring acts to throw the contact-arm out of engagement with-the said brushes substantially in an instant, thus effecting a quick opening of the circuit, and as a result preventing sparking at the brushes. The contact-arm b is moved in the direction of arrow 24, Fig. 1, by the springs c 0 until the stud d engages the said contact-arm and locks the same in its normally-open position, as indicated in Fig. 1, the said stud entering a socket or groove (not shown) on the under side of the arm.

The pole-pieces a a are herein shown as secured to the'base A by screws e. (See Fig. 4.)

I have herein shown the pin d on the contact-arm as engaged by the lugs d d on the boss 6 but it is evident the reverse construction may be employed-win, a single lug on the boss extending between and engaging two lugs or pins on the contact-arm.

I do not claim, broadly, an electric switch in which the electric circuit is broken substantially in an instant.

I have herein shown a single-pole switch; but I do not desire to limit myself in this respect, as it is evident a double or other multiple-pole switch may be constructed by multiplying the number of parts.

I claim-- 1. The combination, with a base provided with pole-pieces having contact-brushes, of a contact-arm loosely mounted on a spindle supported by the base and provided with a handle, one or more springs connected at one end to the contact-arm and its other end to the spindle, lugs on said spindle, and a pin on said contact-arm extended between said lugs to be engaged and positively moved thereby when the needle is turned to move the contact-arm, substantially as described.

2. The combination, with a base provided with pole-pieces having contact-brush es, of a contact-arm loosely mounted on a spindle supported by the base and provided with a handle, springs 0 0 connected at one end to the opposite sides of the said arm and at their other ends to opposite sides of the said spindle, lugs or ears d d on said spindle, and a pin or stud on the contact-arm adapted to be engaged by said lugs or ears, substantially as described.

3. The combination, with a base provided with pole-pieces having contact-brushes, of a contact-arm loosely mounted on a spindle supported by the base and provided with a handle, springs 0 0 connected at one end to the opposite sides of the said arm and at their other ends to opposite sides of the said spindle, lugs or cars 61' d on said spindle, and a pin or stud on the contact-arm, adapted to be engaged by said lugs or ears, and a stop on said base to engage said contact-arm and limit its backward movement, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing Witnesses.

ARTHUR R. BUSH.

Witnesses:

J AS. H. CHURCHILL, EMMA J. BENNETT. 

